Abstract: A technique for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a simple, rapid, and efficient manner is provided. More specifically, the technique involves identifying one or more volatile compounds associated with a particular microorganism of interest. The volatile compounds may be identified, for instance, using solid phase microextraction in conjunction with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (“GC/MS”) analysis methods. Once identified, an indicator may then be selected that is configured to undergo a detectable color change in the presence of the identified volatile compound(s). If desired, the indicator may be provided on a substrate to form an indicator strip for use in a wide variety of applications. In this manner, the presence of the microorganism may be rapidly detected by simply observing a color change of the indicator strip.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift assembly for a patient support is provided. The hydraulic lift assembly comprising a first piston, a second piston and a fluid system. The first piston having a first fluid passage therein; and the second piston having a second fluid passage therein. The fluid system being coupled to each of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage to provide pressurized fluid to extend and retract the first and second pistons.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a first initiator, a solubilizer, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a thermally activated chemical initiator, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a solubilizer. The present hydrogels also desirably may include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: A composition providing electrically conductive adhesive hydrogels suitable for use as skin contact adhesives and, particularly, suitable for use as an electrical interface for disposable medical devices. The present hydrogels provide for reduced skin irritation and/or malodor properties, hydrate a subject's skin, readily wet around a subject's skin surface hair, and protect against burning of a subject upon or due to electrical stimulation through the hydrogel. These hydrogels generally include a monomer, a first initiator, a second initiator, and a cross-linking agent. The present hydrogels also desirably include a solubilizer. The present hydrogels also desirably may include a buffer system to help prevent discoloration of the hydrogels and/or hydrolysis of the hydrogels as well as to improve shelf-life. Other additives such as conductivity enhancers, pharmaceuticals, humectants, plasticizers, skin health agents, etc. may be added to the present hydrogels either before or after curing.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame. The apparatus also includes a coupler for coupling a power pack to one of the base, the frame and the mattress. The mattress includes a plurality of bladder pairs each having a first bladder and a second bladder positioned below the first bladder.

Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a substrate applied with an activated carbon coating is provided. The activated carbon coating is formed from a mixture of a polymeric material and an activation agent. The mixture is activated by heating to a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 250° C. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a substrate can be formed that is absorbent and also capable of performing other functions, such as serving as an odor control agent.

Abstract: A flexible laminate structure that is formed from a first substrate, a second substrate, and discrete regions of a functional material sandwiched therebetween is provided. In particular, the first and second substrates contain thermoplastic polymers that are fused together at certain portions such that fused portions and unfused portions are formed. The unfused portions form pockets that contain the functional material and are relatively small in size. In some embodiments, for example, the pockets have an approximate width to height ratio of less than about 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed side part for beds, especially for hospital and nursing home beds, with bed side parts mounted on the long sides, with said parts extending over the entire or approximately the entire length of the beds in question, hospital beds for example. As usual, the bed side parts are bringable at least into a raised position and into a completely depressed position, but are also preferably lockable in intermediate positions. Locking can also be performed with inclination, in other words the end areas of the bed side part in question can be lockable at different heights. According to the invention, a protective side part is associated with the bed side part and can be caused to function especially when the bed side part is completely depressed, in other words it protects the lengthwise portion of the patient at the head end.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing small objects, such as capsules or pills containing medicament, one at a time, consists of a receptacle containing, within itself, a delivery mechanism including a funnel-shaped exit port for capsules and a capsule or pill delivery tube at the end of said funnel-shaped exit designed to accommodate no more than one pill or capsule. This funnel divides the outer receptacle into an upper storage compartment and a lower delivery compartment. The receptacle also contains between the exit end of the receptacle and the delivery tube a resilient gate member positioned to prevent or allow escape of a capsule or pill from the delivery tube. The inner end of the receptacle is pressed into or twisted in the user's hand which moves the resiliently mounted gate members, thus opening the delivery tube and delivering a single small object to the user.